Exactech has launched the next-generation Shoulder Planning App, a major update that introduces features to enhance surgical precision and streamline the planning process for shoulder replacement surgeries.

“The Shoulder Planning App has been a leader in adoption among shoulder surgeons, with well over 100,000 cases that leveraged our pioneering planning technology and flagship active navigation, GPS Shoulder,” said Laurent Angibaud, Exactech senior vice president of Advanced Surgical Technologies. “This latest version marks a major advancement in preoperative planning, featuring a wide array of enhancements designed to enhance and improve surgical planning. Our continuous collaboration with surgeon partners has been key to this evolution, and we are excited to see how our planning technology will continue to transform shoulder surgery.”

The Shoulder Planning App enables surgeons to plan the optimal placement of shoulder components and select appropriate implants and sizes for both the scapula and humerus based on a patient’s unique anatomy. Powered by Active Intelligence, the upgraded app introduces several features designed to optimize patient-specific planning, including:

• Osteophyte removal tools: Advanced options for precise osteophyte removal on both the scapula and humerus, for improved preoperative visualization.
• Comprehensive planning reports: Surgeons can now export detailed anatomic and reverse pre-operative plans into PDF reports, offering a valuable reference both inside and outside the operating room.
• Automated measurements: Pre-operative and postoperative subluxation and beta angle measurements are now incorporated to assist in optimizing implant selection and improving surgical outcomes.
• Upgraded user interface: Streamlined design for faster, easier and more efficient surgical planning, enabling users to easily make informed decisions.

The Shoulder Planning App is fully integrated with the company’s GPS system—the first and only shoulder navigation technology that connects the preoperative plan with real-time, intraoperative instrument guidance. The GPS system not only verifies implant placement within 2mm and 2 degrees of plan,^1-2 it potentially reduces complications,³ and has been shown to improve patient outcomes.⁴

“Shoulder navigation is rapidly transforming surgical planning,” stated Gabriella Ode, M.D., of the HSS Sports Medicine Institute. “With advanced features and evolving technology, it’s redefining how we prepare for and perform shoulder surgery.”

Nearly 50% of the company’s shoulders worldwide are now leveraging the power between the Shoulder Planning App and GPS to help enhance the precision and results of their cases.

“The next generation of the Shoulder Planning App is a powerful tool that enhances the overall surgical planning process, offering enhanced visualization and insights to properly plan for our shoulder arthroplasty cases,” said Ian Byram, M.D., at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee. “This technology gives us the tools necessary to make better, data-driven decisions, and the integration with GPS unlocks its full potential in the operating room with the continued goal of ultimately achieving improved patient outcomes.”

Exactech empowers orthopedic surgeons with implants, surgical instruments, and the Active Intelligence (AI) ecosystem of smart technologies to give patients EXACTLY what they need to regain mobility.

References
¹ Greene A. et al. Navigated vs. non-navigated results of a CT based computer assisted shoulder arthroplasty system in 30 cadavers. Presented at ISTA 2018.
² Nashikkar P. et al. Role of intraoperative navigation in the fixation of the glenoid component in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a clinical case-control study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019 Sept.;28(9):1685-1691.
³ Youderian A et al. Two-year clinical outcomes and complication rates in anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty implanted with Exactech GPS intraoperative navigation. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Dec. 2023. Vol. 32, Issue 12p2519-2532.
⁴ Holzgrefe R et al. Early clinical outcomes following navigation-assisted baseplate fixation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a matched cohort study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Feb. 2023. Vol. 32, Issue 2p302-309.